The Citation Game: Why It Matters for Your Business
Alright, let’s cut to the chase: if you want to land in the top 3 spots on Google Local, you’ve got to play the citation game. Recent research from BrightLocal lays it out pretty clearly: businesses ranking 1-3 in Google Local have an average of 85 citations. That’s right—eighty-five! But here’s the kicker: only 5% of local businesses don’t have any of the top 10 widely-used citations. If you’re in that 5%, it’s time to make some serious changes.
Why should you care about citations? Well, they’re like digital breadcrumbs leading potential customers straight to your door. The data shows a direct correlation between the number of citations and local rankings. Remember the Moz 2017 Local Search Ranking Factors Survey? It highlighted that citations (specifically their consistency and volume) have a 13% impact on local rankings. So yeah, those numbers aren’t just fluff.
The Citation Landscape
Let’s dive deeper. According to BrightLocal’s SEO Citations Study, hotels rack up the most citations, averaging 152 each, while photographers trail behind with just 34. What does this mean for your business? It’s simple: certain industries are clearly taking advantage of citations, and if you’re in a sector that’s lagging, you need to step it up.
The study also revealed that when it comes to popular citation sites, Facebook and Yelp dominate. 84% of the businesses analyzed were on Facebook, and 80% on Yelp. Meanwhile, other well-known platforms like YP and MapQuest are trailing far behind. The takeaway? Focus your energy on these heavy hitters.
“There’s a 33-point difference between the most-used and the tenth most-used citation site,” highlighting the need for a strategic approach to citation building.
Who’s Missing Out?
Surprisingly, some industries are dropping the ball on key citations. The BrightLocal study found that 18% of tradesmen were missing all of the top 10 citation sites. Ouch! If you’re in trades, it’s time to wake up. Your average citation count is sitting at 47—second lowest in the study, only ahead of photographers. This highlights a critical gap where you can step in and dominate.
The Path Forward
So, what’s the bottom line? There’s a massive opportunity here for businesses willing to put in the work. If you’re an SEO or a marketer, use this data to convince your clients that they need to ramp up their citation strategy. You can’t afford to be complacent; get your citations in order and watch your local rankings soar.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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